Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

53 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.

Education

Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988

Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992

Certifications

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience33+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Tuesday10:00 am - 6:30 pm

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $225

What pet parents are saying

Dr. Lori made, what is undoubtedly one of the most painful experiences - in home pet euthanasia - as comfortable as can be. She was so warm, caring, and understanding of what emotions our whole family was going through. She helped us as we were struggling with that question that I’m sure many people experience. Are we making the right decision and is it the right time? She gave us so much reassurance. She was also so loving towards our sweet Max, who didn’t understand what was going on. It felt like she had known him a long time. She was gentle and yet professional and helped him pass peacefully. She gave us all as much time as we needed afterwards and cared for him like he was her own dog. Can’t say enough of how appreciative we are towards Dr. Lori.

codapet review
5.0
May 12 2025 by Susan Pash-Lohr
Review by Susan Pash-Lohr
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Such a difficult time putting down our sweet cat of 18 years. But having Dr Lori come to the house it made the process so much easier with Dr Lori's compassion, explaining everything letting both our cat and us take our time with the process. No other way to go than to use Coda Pets and I would request Dr Lori. Thank you!

codapet review
5.0
Mar 07 2025 by Kerri Green
Review by Kerri Green
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori was so kind and compassionate. She was also a consummate professional. She educated us regarding the process and took her time to make sure we were ready and understood. She gave us time and privacy to grieve and say our last goodbyes after we sent our beautiful baby over the rainbow bridge. I highly recommend her. Sh was amazing throughout the entire process.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 16 2025 by Lori G.
Review by Lori G.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

We were facing the agonizing experience pet owners face when our beloved Joey, a mixed breed rescue dog we had for over eight years. He was approximately 15 years old and his heart was giving out on him. I had searched in-home euthanasia on line and found CodaPet. Dr. Lori Schmalz came to our home to help us end Joey's suffering. Dr. Schmalz was calm, caring, and compassionate. She checked Joey's heart, and agreed with our vet that it was time to have Joey peacefully put to sleep. Dr Schmalz made this most difficult decision we make as pet parents as calming and peaceful as possible. We would highly recommend CodaPet, and Dr. Lori Schmalz to everyone who need to help their pet transition peacefully, not only for the pet but also for the loving "parents" of the the pet!

codapet review
5.0
Jun 25 2025 by Bob J.
Review by Bob J.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr Lori’s demeanor was grounded and peaceful and she helped make a terrible experience a little more bearable as we put down our beloved family dog. She was respectful, walked us through the process, let us ask questions, and gave us plenty of time to say goodbye.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 30 2024 by Miranda L.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

Our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog's health had been steadily declining for weeks. When we came to the gut-wrenching realization that his quality of life and health were so poor that it wasn't fair to him to let him suffer, we knew we had to intervene. When our previous pup reached this point several years earlier, we took her to our vet to be euthanized. It was absolutely awful seeing her for the last time on a vet's sterile, stainless steel table. We didn't want a repeat of that, so we contacted Dr. Lori. Dr. Lori has a beautiful, calming demeanor and reassured us that we were making the right decision. She came to our home so our pup could die peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family. Having him die at home made this awful experience manageable, and she eased his passing in the most humane way. Our last sight of our pup was seeing him lovingly bundled in soft blankets in the back of her vehicle. He deserved to die with dignity and Dr. Lori provided that. I can't recommend Dr. Lori enough for a pet's end-of-life care.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 02 2024 by Lee R
Review by Lee R
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture